What are some ways to improve your communication skills? 
I am currently a member of Toastmasters. I am planning to pursue a
B.A. in Speech Communications. I am seeking out volunteer
opportunities where I get to answer the phones.

Any other suggestions/ideas?

I'm not sure how much depth of experience asnwering telephones will
give you- but i guess it's a start.
If you are going to volunteer your time you may want to try some of
these- which usually includes training and giving you chance to work
on something that matters to you.
-Volunteer to work a local hotline- for intance teen, suicide
prevention, referal hotlines for different organizations.  Check your
local listings and investigate ones that interest you.  What's nice
about this is that you are talking to people who called you- and you
have an opprtunity to find out what they want and provide it- it can
be very satisfying and confidence building.
-Fundraising - This is MUCH harder- but boy will it build character if
you can keep up with it long enough to be even remotely successful. 
This is a great place to learn how to not take rejection personally
and to get creative with ways of connecting to someone personally- who
probably was wishing they hadn't picked up the phone.
-Volunteer at your local library, school or book sotre for reading
childrens books to kids- if you can keep their attention you have
something going for you.
-Volunteer to read aloud at senior centers or record Books for the Blind.
-Find out if any of your local public schools have a speech class- and
ask the teacher if you can volunteer to assist (this is a great
experience.)
-Shadow the speech writer of a local politician- this a great way to
see how speech composition happens- and can be a great career.
-Volunteer to be a tour guide for a local museum or art gallery or
zoo- another great way to practice working a crowd.
-Volunteer to work at your local TV or Radio station - Make Sure you
let them know what you are interested in- so you don't only end up
answering phones- but get to work with the copy writers and the on-air
talent.
-If you have local cable access stations- get involved and volunteer
to be the on air talent for shows that need that (you'd be surpised
how many local amatuer producers would like someone else to help them
with the on-air talent part of their shows.)


I hope some of these will be helpful for you to think beyond answering
phones (a noble and MUCH needed job in almost any office- just not the
best practice for developing you communication skills).


Good Luck

WOW. Thank you dancingbear--I couldn't have asked for a better comment!

What a great bunch of ideas. Now you have me excited!

You are most welcome- and Have FUN!
Best of Luck.

Tape yourself.

With a comment like that there's no answer that will satisfy you more.
That gave me nice ideas of what to do too. Thanks a lot.

You are making a better world, I'll start some of these here in my country.

Best regards, and best of luck to you!